Ireland's OWN: Poetry and Prose

The Rebel's Dream
—by Franco Emmet

This dream I have had,
Since I was a boy,
Of this beautiful world.
Not of childish worlds
But the world of free men.
Today I am such a happy young man
Because the wish of my childhood
Has but come true to me.
This wish which I have worked for
Is mine to hold.
I now walk with rebel's brave
And my young heart beats so keen.
For now I am a rebel
And now I am seventeen.
This greatness is not as I have dreamt
But more beautiful than before.
Now I lie in my bed
My young body laid in straw.
The gun I hold is heavier than I dreamt
But no heavier than my heart.
For freedom is coming soon
And that's why this young boy
Plays his part.